Job market

PhD Studentship: ion channel-based biosensors

from Edith Pajot

Development
of biosensors based on G Protein-Coupled receptors linked to an ion channel for
integration in nanoelectronic platforms

Subject. G Protein-Coupled
Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins involved in the communication between
cells through circulating messengers (hormones, neurotransmitters) and also in
sensing our environment (vision, smell, taste). They are essential to numerous
physiological functions which are vital (cardiac, breathing,...) and behavioral
(social and emotional relationships). We have developed an original biosensor
based on the attachment of GPCRs to an ion channel and referred to Ion
Channel-Coupled Receptors (ICCRs) (Moreau et al. Nature Nanotechnology
2008). Motions of the receptor induced by its activity (ligand binding, G
protein activation) are translated by the ion channel into an electric current
easily detectable by electrophysiological techniques. In the frame of a project
funded by the European Research
Council (ERC),
the PhD student will develop this technology in collaboration with partners
from the Seoul National University in order to design original biosensors in
interface with nanoelectronic systems.

Location. The thesis will
take place in the Channels group of the Institute for Structural Biology (IBS) (http:/www.ibs.fr/groups/channels-group/) within the European
Synchrotron campus. This project will benefit from the strong expertise of the
team in protein engineering and structure-function studies of membrane
proteins. The routine methods used in the host laboratory are standard
molecular biology techniques and electrophysiological characterization of
membrane proteins heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The PhD
candidate will have specific access in the laboratory to a state-of-the-art
robot for automatic recordings (HiClamp) and
also to the numerous exceptional facilities shared between the members of the
Partnership for Structural
Biology
(EMBL, ILL, IBS, UVHCI, ESRF). The candidate will develop her/his scientific
skills in a stimulating and international environment in the "capital of
the French Alps" at only 3hrs from Paris by fast-train and 1hr by bus from
the Lyons international airport.

Profile.
Excellent
academic records. From Universities or Engineering Colleges with a Master
degree (if French M2, grade B or higher) or equivalent. High motivation for
basic and applied research. Experience or great interest in membrane proteins,
molecular biology, electrophysiology or biochemistry. The working language is
English. Several meetings and collaborative work will be performed in South
Korea. Enthusiasm, rigor, perseverance and team spirit will be essential for
her/his personal and professional fulfilment in an international environment.

Position.
Contract
with the French CNRS Institution for
three years starting in October 2016. The salary is 1.757 €/month (gross
income).